KUALA LUMPUR – All national para-athletes must be accompanied by officials for all international competitions, effective immediately, said Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
She noted that her ministry has agreed to enforce the ruling, which will be coordinated by the National Sports Council (NSC) together with the Paralympic Council Malaysia (PCM).
The decision came after her town hall meeting with PCM in December following the latter’s concern about being unable to send officials accompanying the para-athletes due to budget constraints.
“This is non-negotiable. We cannot be sending our para-athletes to compete overseas alone. I would not even allow my 17-year-old girl to be sent to travel overseas on her own, let alone a child in a wheelchair, for example,” said Hannah.
“It is very dangerous for them to go out and compete on their own.
“We want to ensure that the national para-athletes’ needs and safety are always taken care of, ensuring that their focus and preparation will not be affected.”
The Segambut MP was met during a press conference following her official visit to the Paralympic Games Centre of Excellence in Kg Pandan, here, today.
Also present were the ministry’s newly appointed secretary-general K. Nagulendran as well as NSC board members, Stuart Ramalingam (Malaysian Football League chief executive officer) and badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei.
Hannah also noted that the number of officials for the athletes is subject to the participation quota set by the organisers with NSC, while PCM will ensure that officials with knowledge in a specific sport are given the responsibility.
She highlighted that the decision is in line with Clause 12.4 relating to the Governance, Roles, and Responsibilities of Athlete Support Officers under the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athlete Classification Code.
The clause explains that athlete support officers can be appointed from among coaches, medical personnel, parents, or any individual who would be able to help athletes in their career as sportsmen. The officials must also be experienced, and must comply with all the guidelines and regulations outlined in the IPC Classification Code. – The Vibes, February 18, 2023
